Piers Gaveston had been appointed to Prince Edward's household in 1300 by his father, Edward Ist. It seems Piers was chosen because of his chivalrous attitude and good manners, a suitable role model for the young prince. Yet in 1307, he was banished by Edward Ist, for an incident described by Walter of Guisborough, the only chronicler who mentioned it. According to Guisborough, the Prince had asked his father for the county of Ponthieu for Piers. Or rather he asked his father's treasurer, Walter Langton, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, to ask him. Edward Ist summoned his son, grabbed him by the hair, tearing it out, and yelled 'You wretched bastard, do you want to give lands away now? You who never gained any?' He then called his council together and banished Piers from the Kingdom. Having read this account, you would assume that Piers was promptly marched to Dover and sent on his way. But this is not what happened. Edward 1st appears to have calmed down enough to order Piers leave the country three weeks after the next tournament, to return to Gascony, and stay there until he was recalled. Not the actions of someone who was in such a foul temper, abused his son and ripped out his hair because he thought his son's favourite companion had the audacity to ask for the county of Ponthieu. The official court records give a different account. The Prince and Piers were to swear on Holy relics they would respect the terms of the exile. The exile wasn't even permanent - Piers would be recalled. Piers was even given time to arrange his exile, and did not even go to Gascony - he actually went to the much disputed Ponthieu. Neither Piers or the Prince were denied the opportunity to meet up before the exile. Prince Edward accompanied Piers on his journey to Dover. They even traveled at a leisurely pace. They traveled with members of the Prince's household and even took along 2 minstrels with them. The Prince also gave Piers many costly gifts. He was given a number of expensive tapestries, two costly tunics and 5 horses and a cash gift of £260. Monies were also given to the members of the household accompanying Piers. Edward 1st promised him 100 marks a year for each year he was in exile.
Even after he had left England, the Prince sent on more costly gifts. Piers obviously intended to make his exile as comfortable as possible. It seems he would spend his time entering a number of tournaments and the Prince sent him 2 expensively made tournament outfits - one of green velvet embroidered with pearls and gold and silver piping, and also another outfit in green. Green obviously suited Piers! Both were decorated with the arms of Gaveston. He would make quite a spectacle in tournaments. Far from leaving England in disgrace, Piers also took with him 2 knights, a chamberlain, 2 falconers , some servants and several grooms from the Prince's household. Maybe even the 2 minstrels went as well!
It was a very generous exile. Piers was well supported by his household, had been given lavish gifts by the Prince, with the intention he would busy himself entering tournaments. At some point, he hoped to be recalled by the king. Prince Edward had felt the full force of his father's fury - even if the story of having his hair pulled out wasn't true. So, was the reason for the exile an argument over Ponthieu? Or was it something else? Was the King angered by the Prince entering in to some sort of brotherhood pact with Piers? Or had he realised his son was besotted with Piers? Did he suspect they were lovers? And if so, was this the reason for his anger? Or was it the influence he thought Piers would exert over the Prince? From the King's actions, it would appear his anger was with the Prince, and not Piers - hence the fine send off he was given - and knowing the exile was not forever. Perhaps the King hoped Piers would enjoy his life in exile and be content to stay there. Or that whatever 'hold' he had over the Prince, it would evaporate - out of sight, out of mind, so to speak. But it was not to be. Within 3 months, the King was. His son became Edward II and he immediately set out to bring Piers Gaveston back to England.
Sources - 'Edward II' by Seymour Phillips
'Piers Gaveston, Politics and Patronage in the Reign of Edward II' by J S Hamilton
